Overview
- The Chargers lost 23–17 to the Denver Broncos on Sunday and dropped to 0–5, marking the franchise’s worst start in decades.
- A failed fourth-down attempt in the fourth quarter opened the door for Denver’s game-tying drive, and Justin Herbert then had a fumble followed by an interception that led to 13 unanswered Broncos points.
- Herbert finished with 121 passing yards and now ranks last among 33 quarterbacks in Pro Football Network’s QB Impact Score, intensifying questions about his fit in Mike McDaniel’s offense.
- Harbaugh publicly took responsibility for the late-game decision, but media commentators and former executives have urged broader accountability for Harbaugh, McDaniel and other staff.
- The team faces a quick turnaround with a road game at the Kansas City Chiefs, which raises the stakes for immediate changes to play-calling, ball security and overall execution to protect playoff chances.